Navarathri at Sri Lanka College of Journalism

October 20, 2007, 3:48 am

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Navarathri” literally translates nine nights. These nine nights are devoted to Goddesses. The first three nights are devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizes power and triumph. The next three nights are devoted to Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes amplitude and wealth, and the last three nights are devoted to Goddess Saraswathy-knowledge and wisdom.

The festival began on October 11th 2007 and ended on October 20th 2007. Hindus decorated their houses and temples for the festival. Cultural events were held during the ” Navarathri”.

Sri Lanka College of Journalism, Sri Lanka Press Institute and Sri Lanka Press Complaints Commission celebrated ” Navarathri” on October 19th 2007 at the premises of the Sri Lanka College of Journalism.

“Kolam” tradidionally drawn design by the students of Sri Lanka Press Institute and Sri Lanka College of Journalism

A female student welcomes and places a “Pottu”-traditional dot on the forehead of Mrs. Kamalini Selvarajan

“Niraikudam” – full pot is placed to welcome the invitees. It’s a symbol of prosperity. “Niraikudam” is gesture of greeting.”Niraikudam”- a pot is filled with water, a coconut is kept on its mouth, five or seven mango leaves are arranged in circular form. The pot is kept on a bed of paddy or rice placed on a banana leaf.

“Thoranam”- tender coconut leaves are plaited together, and mango leaves are attached to the rope

Sri Skanthan Kurukkal from Chunnaakam performing pooja

Sakalakalavallimaalai” being sung by the students

Student of Sri Lanka College of Journalism Dinesh, Director of Sri Lanka College of Journalism Arjuna Ranawana and Journalist of Shakthi TV Aruna Sellathurai attending pooja